Australasian geranium (Geranium homeanum, Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 36(I): 591 (1863))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: Turcz.

Bibliography: Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 36(I): 591 (1863)

Year: 1863

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is. (Timor), SE. Australia to New Zealand

Description

The Australasian geranium, scientifically known as Geranium homeanum, is a species within the Geraniaceae family. This captivating plant was first described by Turcz. in a bulletin of the Imperial Society of Naturalists of Moscow in 1863, indicating its long-standing recognition among botanists.

Geranium homeanum is native to various regions including East Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands such as Timor, and extends from southeastern Australia through to New Zealand. This broad geographical distribution showcases its adaptability to different climates and terrains within the Australasian region.

Characterized by its delicate and attractive flowers, the Australasian geranium is a beloved choice for both native landscaping and cultivated gardens. The blooms typically enhance the aesthetic appeal of the areas they inhabit, contributing to the biodiversity and visual appeal of natural and managed landscapes alike.

The adaptability and appealing nature of the Australasian geranium not only make it a subject of interest for botany enthusiasts and gardeners but also underscore its ecological value within its native habitats. Whether observed in the wild or nurtured in gardens, Geranium homeanum continues to be a notable and cherished member of the Geraniaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: australasian geranium
En: Australasian geranium

Synonyms

• Geranium dissectum var. glabratum (Hook.f.)
• Geranium potentilloides var. parviflorum (Hook.f.)
• Geranium nepalense f. javanicum (Backer)
• Geranium glabratum ((Hook.f.) Small)

Distribution

• Jawa (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• California (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2022 by Damien Burke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2016 by EOL − Mike Lusk (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 9, 2021 by blue Hat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Anna George (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2890382)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:373148-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium homeanum Turcz.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth